Graffiti Graf*fi"ti, n. pl. [It., pl. of graffito scratched]
1. Inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., found on the walls of
ancient sepulchers or ruins, as in the Catacombs, or at
Pompeii.
[1913 Webster]

Graffiti — • The term in common usage among archaeologists to designate a class of rude inscriptions scratched on the walls of ancient monuments, generally sepulchral, as distinguised from the formal inscriptions engraved on the tombs of the deceased… … Catholic encyclopedia

graffiti — is in origin a plural word, but its use has developed rapidly. Before the 1960s it was mainly used by art historians and archaeologists to refer to drawings or writing scratched on the walls of ancient buildings (notably at Pompeii). Spray can… … Modern English usage

graffiti — Graffiti (spray painting in public spaces) has long been acknowledged as an art form (see the website at www.graffiti.org). However, in mainstream society it is still seen as an entirely deviant activity and ‘offenders’ are described as… … Encyclopedia of contemporary British culture